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GIFT  OF 


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POEMS 


By  JUSTIN  E.  PATTERSON 


After  you  have  read  these  little 
poems,  I  shall  be  pleased  if  you  will  write 
to  me   and  let  me  know  your  favorites. 

Justin  E.  Patterson, 
Pomona, 

California.. 


' 

•    r 


0\,~<L- 


POEMS 

By  JUSTIN  E.  PATTERSON 


CJ I  do  not  write  thinking  perfection 
in  these  few  lines  to  show,  so  let  me 
ask  you  e're  you  quiz  it  for  better 
words  to  know;  Til  ask  you  then  to 
spare  the  chastening  which  other- 
wish  you'd  give  and  let  the  rod  of 
harsh  correction  leave  me  a  chance 
to  live.  <I  Pomona,  California,  De 
cember,  Nineteen  and  Twenty-two 


L 


Al-7 
CONTENTS 


Asleep  in  Church  ...........................................  ......................................  .  7 

Why  Pat  Shaved  Outside  ...............................................................  7 

Beauty  of  Faith  and  Hope  ...............  ................................................  ..  7 

The  Beauty  of  Money  ........................................................................  8 

Why   Not   Smile  ..................................................................................  8 

Reflection    ..............................................  ................................................  9 

The  World's  Best  Tonic  ..................................................................  9 

A  Workman  and  His  Chips  ..............................................................  10 

Keep  What  You  Borrowed  ..................................  .  .................    .........  10 

Our    Mission    .....................................................................................    11 

No  Hard  Times  ..........  ...11 

The  Rain  Drops.  "  .................................................................................  12 

Mother's  Love  Does  Not  Die  .........................................................  12 

The  Rain  At  Night  ............................  ............  13 

Honesty    ...........................................................................................  .......  13 

The   Autumn   Time  ..............................................................................  14 

Power  Which  Governs  ......................................................................  14 

The  Postman  ........................................................................................  15 

Monuments    ..........................................................................................  15 

Look  Where  You  Go  ..........................................................................  16 

The  Little  Shoe  ..................................................................................  16 

The  Good  of  Friends  ..............................  .'  ...........................................  17 

In  Memory  of  Mother  ........................................................................  17 

An  Old  Timer  .......  '.  .............................................................................  18 

Courage    .................................................................................................  18 

Cheer   .....................................................................................................  19 

Evening  Time  ...............................................  ....................  ...................  19 

Kindliness    ....................................................  .  .......................................  19 

Home    ...................................................................................  ..................  20 

Apples  On  The  Farm  .........................................................................  21 

Ma's  New  Dress  ........................................... 

Knowing  You  ........................................................................................  23 

October   ..................................................................................................  24 

The  Old  Time  Fireside  ...................  -25 

The  Rainbow  .................................................................................. 

The   Snow   Storm    ............................................................................. 

Wrhen  The  Cows  Come  Home  at  Night  .................................... 

The  Preacher's  Soliloquy  .................................................................  29 

What  is  It  to  Me?  ..........  "  .....................................................................  30 

Have  A  Friendly  Sort  of  Wav...  .......  31 


ASLEEP  IN  CHURCH  -,  ,  . -';.  : 


I  see  the  congregation  sitting  in  the  hard  wood  pews, 
Some  are  looking  happily  at  the  full  dressed  choir  in  view  , 
One  man  is  soon  so  sleepy  that  his  head  begins  to  nod, 
And  now  he  snores  so  loudly,  that  we  know  he's  on  the  job. 

The  preacher  talks  earnestly  and  gives  out  the  message  plain, 
The  choir  have  sung  the  Anthem,  "Giving  Glory  to  His  Name," 
But  this  thing  makes  me  weary  as  I  look  all  faces  o'er, 
To  see  one  man  sound  sleeping,  we  should  put  him  out  the  door. 

If  sleeping  place  is  needed  and  you  need  it  very  bad, 
You  should  have  kept  your  pillow  while  that  needed  sleep  you  had 
This  church  is  not  giv'n  over  for  a  place  to  come  and  snore 
We  do  not  advertise  Hotel,  and  sleepers  we  deplore. 


WHY  PAT  SHAVED  OUTSIDE 

It  was  on  a  Sunday  morning,  and  shaving  time  had  come, 
And  Pat  went  out  upon  the  porch,  that  he  might  have  more  room ; 
The  sun  was  shining  very  bright,  the  neighbors  all  were  out, 
And  Mike  came  gently  walking  by,  to  see  what  Pat's  about. 

"Good  morning,"  Mike  says  unto  Pat,  "the  weather  sure  is  fine, 
But  what  makes  you  thus  always  shave,  outside  here  by  the  vine?' 
"And  faith  indeed,"  was  Pat's  reply,  "I'm  not  fur  lined  you  know, 
So  when  I  shave,  I  shave  outside,  that's  where  my  whiskers  grow. 


BEAUTY  OF  FAITH  AND  HOPE 

There's  beauty  in  the  dew  drop  hanging  from  leaf  and  flower, 
Reflecting  of  the  glory  of  the  new  born  morning  hour, 
Though  great  may  be  this  glory,  clear  as  crystals  which  appear, 
Sun  shine  will  vanish  dew  drops,  when  the  noon  hour  draweth  near 

A  certain  hope  abiding,  living  deep  within  the  heart, 
Never  fades  with  coming  sun,  but  a  greater  faith  imparts; 
While  dews  of  morning  vanish,  with  the  rising  of  the  day. 
Faith  brings  to  us  fulfillment,  while  the  hours  pass  swift  away. 

Give  me  the  glow  of  morning,  with  every  brightening  ray. 
Producing  added  beauty,  which  appears  with  new  born  day ; 
To  calm  my  troubled  spirit,  giving  peace  to  reign  within. 
Fulfill  in  me  the  beauty,  which  true  faith  and  hope  will  bring. 


THE  BEAUTY  OF  MONEY 

Some  one  I  know  is  worried  and  life's  a  heavy  load, 
His  path  is  not  all  roses  he's  pressed  as  by  a  goad, 
!  le's  lacking;  for  some  money,  and  so  no  friends  abound 
And  that's  the  way  you  suffer,  if  money  is  not  found. 

'Tis  fine  to  talk  of  friendship  of  help  and  giving  cheer, 
The  best  of  friend  is  money,  none  other  half  so  dear. 
Fill  up  the  puree  with  money,  with  Uncle  Sam's  own  date, 
T'will  pull  you  out  of  trouble,  what  e're  may  be  your  fate. 

They  say  you  must  not  worship  this  treasure  mint  from  gold. 
That  you  should  try  to  shun  it  'twill  harm  you  once  to  hold. 
That  money  soon  will  perish,  can't  take  it  when  you  go, 
I  don't  believe  the  story  for  money  cuts  a  show. 

A  path  strewn  full  of  roses  by  friends  is  a  delight. 
Would  be  to  know  an  honor  and  source  of  great  delight, 
But  to  be  sure  of  roses  that  will  not  wilt  away, 
Pile  up  a  little  money  some  place  where  it  will  stay. 

Good  friends  when  you  have  money,  come  knocking  at  your  door, 
They  are  always  glad  to  help  and  friendship  they  implore, 
So  friends,  my  one  petition  when  down  in  deepest  dumps, 
Is  to  have  a  bank  account,  that  will  remove  the  bumps. 


WHY  NOT  SMILE 

A  smile  will  drive  the  gloom  away, 
Will  turn  that  darkness  into  day, 
Will  help  the  pilgrim  on  life's  steep, 
And  dry  the  tears  of  those  who  weep. 
A  smile  that  bubbles  full  of  love, 
Comes  with  a  mission  from  above, 
With  blessings  which  no  tongue  can  tell, 
So  he  that  smileth,  doeth  well. 

Some  things  there  are  that  breed  contempt, 
Some  deeds  performed  that  we  resent 
But  when  a  smill  makes  glad  a  heart. 
Why  not  just  smile  and  love  impart. 
Some  things  there  are  of  value  told, 
Some  things  so  good  we  call  them  gold, 
But  greater  than  earth's  richest  claim, 
Would  be  one  smile  of  love  to  gain. 

8 


REFLECTION 

I'm  sitting  alone  for  an  hour  or  two,  by  my  fire,  in  the  room  tonight 
And  the  rays  that  shine  out  into  the  gloom,  give  forth  a  cheerful 

light. 
I'm  thinking  my  boy  as  the  moments  fly,  while  I'm  sitting  here    all 

alone, 
How  I  would  love  to  have  you  by  my  side  and  claim    you    as    my 

own. 

I'm  remembering  well  when  you  were  young  and  my  strength 

had  not  given  way, 

I  was  looking  ahead  for  time  to  come,  to  bring  a  happy  day. 
With  never  a  dream  of  a  cruel  war,  to  take  us,  my  boy  far  apart, 
But  that  is  why  I  am  sitting  alone,  bearing  a  heavy  heart. 


The  world  demands  and  duty  calls,  I  would  not  have  you  stay, 
I  would  not  chide,  I  would  not  hold,  I  would  not  have  my  way. 
Yet  while  you  are  gone  things  seem  so  dark,  I'll  watch  and  wait 

and  pray, 
That  soon  will  dawn  a  happy  morn  and  you  come  home  to  stay. 

I've  watched  o'er  you  in  childhoods  hour,  I've  sang  you  many  a  lay, 
Our  country  now  demands  your  strength,  this  call  you  must  obey; 
Oh,  could  it  be  that  dreams  come  true,  heart  longings  would  be  met. 
With  eyes  undimmed  we'd  see  anew  and  live  without  regret. 

Then  hopes  which  'rise  within  the  heart,  would  bask  in  fullness 

known 

And  love  should  reap  the  sweet  of  life  and  never  loose  her  own ; 
I'm  sure  that  day  will  never  come  until  you're  by  my  side, 
And  when  the  drums  of  war  shall  cease  and  peace  for  all  abides. 

THE  WORLD'S  BEST  TONIC 

Grit  will  help  you  when  without  it  you  would  surely  die ; 
Don't  forget  to  get  the  tonic,  take  it  on  a  try. 
You  will  find  that  things  run  smoother  if  you  push  to  win, 
Take  a  does  of  grit  my  Brother,  with  full  force  push  in. 

Be  a  zealous  booster  Brother,  wear  a  smiling  face. 
Then  you  help  some  other  fellow  running  in  life's  race; 
That's  the  way  to  win  the  battles,  try  to  make  the  run ; 
Do  your  best  to  win  my  Brother,  then  you  make  things  hum. 

Never  let  your  courage  shrivel,  don't  be  small,  but  big ; 
Grit's  the  Tonic  that  will  help  you,  just  get  in  and  dig; ^ 
Soon  your  troubles  you've  surmounted,  then  you  slip  to  "high, 
Then  go  rolling  on  your  journey — easy  if  you  try. 

9 


A  WORKMAN  AND  HIS  CHIPS 

"A  workman  is  known  by  his  chips,"  an  adage  you  can  not  deny 
Whoever  would  win   in  life's  race  must  accomplish  and   make 

things  fly. 

Don't  wait  and  be  longing  for  work,  while  duty  is  calling  close  by 
Which  needs  some  strong  arm  to  grapple,  t  odo  with  a  vim,  or  to  die. 

'Tis  easy  to  watch  some  other  who  gets  in  and  turns  up  the  sod ; 
Tis  easy  to  find  fault  in  him,  or  to  sit  on  the  fence  and  nod, 
But  why  not  be  up  and  doing  the  things  that  will  help  you  to  win? 
Roll  up  your  sleeves  and  go  at  it,  and  tackle  the  job  with  a  grin. 

Mistakes  we  know  are  so  common,  to  everyone  under  the  sun, 
But  that  is  no  reason  why  you  should  never  get  anything  done ; 
Have  courage,  have  pluck,  ambition,  your  work  you  must  never 

lay  by, 
Get  in  like  a  first  class  workman,  then  see  how  you  make  the 

chips  fly. 


KEEP  WHAT  YOU  BORROWED 

Better  not  return  the  trouble  that  you  borrowed  here  one  day, 
We  are  doing  fine  without  it,  found  that  trouble  does  not  pay ; 
You  are  welcome  to  the  burden  and  you  have  our  glad  consent 
To  appropriate  the  trouble  that  your  neighbor  to  you  lent. 

Just  remember,  e'er  you  borrow  trouble,  that  is  apt  to  stay, 
There  is  plenty  can  be  gotten  and  t'will  come  some  other  way ; 
Cease  from  troubling  o'er  your  troubles  that  you  think  some  day 

may  come 
Just  go  on  enjoy  your  living,  let  this  borrowing  alone. 

Constant  worry,  constant  fretting  gives  you  trouble  and  not  joy, 
Crossing  bridges  e're  you  reach  them,  you  could  better  mind 

employ. 

Better  try  forget  the  trouble  which  you  borrow  all  the  time, 
Living  once  without  that  trouble  you  will  find  that  life  is  fine. 

If  the  burden  should  be  pressing  of  the  load  you  now  deplore, 
Why  not  get  in  and  settle  things,  so  your  trouble  will  be  o'er, 
In  mind  and  in  your  purse  you'll  find  you  are.  better  off  today, 
When  you  cease  to  borrow  trouble  and  throw  gladness  on  life's 
way. 

10 


OUR  MISSION 

If  we  knew  full  well  our  mission  while  on  things  of  earth  intent, 
If  your  hands  to  help  a  brother  could  in  gladness  oft  be  lent, 
Then  the  pathway  would  be  brighter  which  each  day  we  slowly 

tread, 
And  our  eyes  would  catch  a  glimmer  of  the  heaven  overhead. 

Seems  to  me  there  comes  a  vision  of  a  happiness  complete, 
When  all  men  hail  as  brothers  every  one  they  chance  to  meet, 
How  the  weary  and  hard  working  would  then  have  a  gift  alone, 
Just  to  hear  the  voice  of  welcome  from  some  friend  they  long  have 
known. 

Must  this  life  be  so  far  severed  that  no  interest  can  appear 
Which  would  be  to  menomoment  if  outside  my  own  loved  sphere? 
Why  can  not  my  vision  linger,  giving  longing  for  success, 
That  in  every  good  endeavor  I  might  work  with  earnestness. 

Let  enlargement  crown  my  vision  and  let  love  engage  my  though1 
Reaching  out  to  all  as  brothers,  then  my  life  for  good  is  wrought. 
And  beholding  from  the  fullness  of  a  heart  that  beats  with  love, 
I  will  make  my  mission  better,  and  this  earth  like  heaven  above. 

NO  HARD  TIMES 

There  are  no  hard  times  coming  boys  you  think  so  in  your  head 
Why  not  cheer  up  about  the  thing  and  go  to  work  instead, 
There's  plenty  money  in  the  Bank  and  more  that's  to  be  made 
If  you  will  just  get  in  and  push  all  hard  times  will  be  staid. 

I've  heard  this  cry  'bout  long  enough  that  hard  times  now  are  here 
It  seems  to  me  we  richer  grow  and  do  it  every  year. 
I  think  today  we're  better  off,  work  less  and  get  more  pay 
There  are  no  hard  times  coming  boys,  I  don't  care  what  you  say. 

Some  folks  in  clover  want  to  live,  no  work,  all  rest,  all  pay, 
And  failing  in  this  fabled  wish,  hard  times  you  hear  them  say. 
I  think  that  God  who  made  this  world  and  peopled  it  throughout 
Came  nearer  knowing  'bout  the  thing  than  some  who  would  Him  doubt. 

Six  days  for  labor  was  command  and  this  the  precept  given 

We  fail  to  heed  within  our  land  from  labor  we  are  driven. 

So  when  you  cry  hard  times  and  say  throw  up  your  hands  and  quit. 

I  say  you're  off  your  base  my  boy,  devoid  of  honest  grit. 

There  are  no  hard  times  coming  boys,  just  take  another  think 
You  can  pull  all  things  together  if  grit  and  labor  link, 
A  little  push  will  help  you  through,  you'll  have  no  cause  to  doubt. 
The  hardest  times  you  ever  saw  are  times  to  help  you  out. 

11 


THE  RAIN  DROPS 

I  love  to  hear  the  rain  drops  as  they  patter  gently  down, 
Falling  now  upon  the  roof  and  moistening  sod  and  ground ; 
Beneath  the  old  Barn's  shelter  sleeping  on  the  new  mown  hay, 
I  love  to  hear  the  rain  drops  while  the  hours  pass  swift  away. 

There  is  beauty  in  the  rain  as  it  moistens  leaf  and  flower 
Making  all  the  glory  grow  to  produce  the  Summer  bower, 
I  know  content  of  spirit  as  the  rain  brings  sweet  repose, 
When  I  lie  in  quiet  sleep,  'neath  the  roof  with  eyelids  closed. 

Who  knows  what  rain  might  tell  us  if  in  words  the  showers  could  speak 
Like  crystals  cut  from  diamonds,  all  the  rain  drops  are  unique ; 
Like  tears  which  stand  on  eyelids  while  some  plantive  maiden  cries, 
The  rain  drops  will  not  perish  that  come  down  from  ether  skies. 

They  speak  a  language  to  us  of  beauty  more  than  thought, 
They  possess  a  glimpse  of  glory  beyond  earth's  turmoil  wrought, 
For  as  pure  as  grow  the  lillies,  or  as  fair  as  buds  the  rose, 
The  language  speaks  of  Heaven  where  purity  does  repose. 

To  give  me  of  life's  beauty,  taking  from  me  things  of  woe, 
Just  keep  the  rain  drops  falling,  with  whisperings  soft  and  low, 
Life  then  possesses  music,  which  my  soul  oft  longs  to  hear, 
It  is  the  pattering  rain,  when  the  storm  clouds  hover  near. 

So  while  I  lie  in  slumber  as  the  Swallows  twitter  'round, 
On  my  bed  of  new  mown  hay,  beneath  the  barn  roof  brown, 
I  listen  for  the  music,  on  the  long  long  looked  for  day, 
When  the  patter  of  the  rain,  will  drive  all  my  care  away. 


MOTHERS  LOVE  DOES  NOT  DIE 

Footprints  which  are  made  in  sand  may  perish  in  a  day. 
Lashed  by  waves  high  mounting  up  the  tracks  are  washed  away ; 
Leaves  which  on  the  trees  come  forth  in  warmth  of  early  Spring, 
Fall  in  golden  Autumn  time  no  longer  will  they  cling. 

Roses  bloom  with  fragrance  sweet  and  beauty  to  our  sight, 
Drop  the  leaves  of  color  rare  and  beauty's  lost  in  blight ; 
Where  we  saw  such  glory  shone  from  opening  of  the  flowers, 
Autumn  days  have  made  their  mark  upon  the  leafy  bowers. 

Mothers  love  will  never  fade,  'tis  born  within  her  heart, 

She  will  always  do  her  best  and  bear  the  hardest  part ; 

Though  there  perish  from  our  thought,  some  things  we  love  today 

Mothers  love  will  not  forget,  but  in  our  lives  hold  sway. 

12 


THE  RAIN  AT  NIGHT 

I  hear  the  gentle  patter,  like  sweet  music  sounds  the  rain, 
T'is  falling,  gently  falling,  from  the  sky  on  window  pane, 
I  see  the  stars  are  hidden,  by  the  clouds  they're  overcast, 
But  rain  drops  have  a  rythm,  hour  by  hour  as  moments  pass. 

The  pond  in  yonder  meadow  is  made  larger  at  the  brink, 

The  water  runs  in  rivlets,  down  to  where  the  cattle  drink ; 

The  path  is  flooded  over  leading  out  to  yonder  barn, 

While  the  rain  drops  gentle  patter,  send  relief  from  droughts  that  harm. 

The  hours  drag  on  while  weeping  copious  tears  the  skies  still  shed, 
And  nature  feels  the  rain  drops  from  the  heavens  overhead ; 
Unlike  the  tears  of  sadness 'often  shed  in  some  lament, 
These  are  tears  with  gladness,  that  from  heaven  to  earth  are  sent. 

A  hand  provides  us  bounty  springing  from  the  glorious  rain. 
Which  aids  to  life  and  comfort  and  to  fields  give  waving  grain, 
Clouds  over  head  with  moisture  send  us  the  pattering  rain, 
To  make  the  world  much  richer,  as  the  fields  shall  yield  their  gain. 

Then  rest  in  Sleep  and  comfort,  when  the  day  with  work  is  o'er, 
For  music  of  the  rain  drops  has  good  things  for  us  in  store, 
And  when  appears  the  morning,  with  the  clouds  all  rolled  away, 
We  ne'er  will  be  despondent,  if  there  contes  a  rainy  day. 


HONESTY 

To  make  pretentious  without  heart,  deceiving  those  we  may, 
Would  rob  ourselves,  from  which  to  part,  should  fill  us  with  dismay; 
With  honesty  of  purpose  dwell  and  ponder  these  things  o'er. 
That  he  who  lives  an  honest  life  has  good  things  laid  in  store. 

I  cannot  press  a  claim  to  land  extending  far  and  wide, 
I  cannot  dream  that  I  shall  be  a  millionaire  with  pride ; 
Possessions  worth  far  more  to  know  than  gold  with  earthly  pride, 
Are  richness  which  to  know  within,  no  heart  should  be  denied. 

Count  not  that  gain  when  from  some  one  a  loss  must  be  subscribed, 
Perhaps  that  from  the  joy  you  share,  some  heart  is  thus  denied ; 
Could  not  you  better  happy  be  with  noble  deeds  when  done, 
By  helping  Brothers  when  in  need,  with  this  your  life  has  won. 


13 


THE  AUTUMN  TIME. 

When  Autumn  frosts  have  turned  the  leaves  from  green  to  golden  brown, 

And  forests  thick  with  foliage  sear  drop  leaves  of  beauty  down ; 

With  a  glory  which  appeareth  at  the  closing  of  the  day, 

I  love  these  hours  of  twilight  when  the  shadows  melt  away. 

The  corn  now  yellow  grown  with  age,  stands  ready  to  be  shocked, 

The  pumpkin  vines  which  grew  so  green  have  now  their  broad  leaves  dropped ; 

The  birds- which  rested  high  in  shade  of  yonder  maple  tree, 

Seem  now  to  restless  fly  about,  some  warmer  clime  to  see. 

The  grain  so  nicely  bound  and  stacked,  awaits  the  day  to  come, 
When  thrashers  will  with  zeal  turn  in  and  make  the  gold  stream  run ; 
With  straw  piled  high  and  bins  filled  full,  when  thrashing  day  is  o'er, 
The  farmer's  life,  though  work  is  hard,  has  some  good  things  in  store. 

The  plow  boy  goes  with  cheery  song  and  turns  the  stubble  in, 

And  hour  by  hour  from  morn  till  night  you  hear  him  merry  sing; 

The  fields  which  once  were  green  with  grass,  which  sprang  from  moistened  sod 

Have  faded,  while  the  great  warm  sun,  has  made  the  daisies  nod. 

The  golden  rod  beside  the  way,  now  lifts  her  beauteous  head 
Proclaiming,  as  she  gently  bows,  her  life  is  not  yet  dead ; 
And  while  we  watch  some  blue  smoke  curling  from  yonder  patch  of  wood, 
The  dog  days  of  the  Autumn  time  help  fill  the  years  with  good. 

I'm  glad  when  winter  sends  her  snow,  which  softly  settles  down, 
And  fills  the  path  which  we  must  tread  and  covers  fields  so  brown ; 
I'm  glad  when  spring  with  sun  uplift  invites  all  things  to  grow, 
But  give  to  me  the  Autumn  time  when  Summer's  sun  sinks  low. 

POWER  WHICH  GOVERNS 

Power  and  intellect  and  wealth,  what  blessings  we  command, 
With  these  to  use  why  should  we  choose  to  idlers  be  and  stand ; 
Would  that  some  motive  pierce  the  soul  so  tranquil  without  thought 
And  help  us  each  that  we  might  be -to  others,  what  we  ought. 

Possessions  come  not  with  a  gift  of  value  such  as  gold, 

For  this  is  that  which  perisheth,  her  value  we  can't  hold ; 

But  truest  riches  to  possess  and  what  we  most  should  prize, 

Is  that  which  gleams  when  wealth  which  seems,  is  fading  from  our  eyes. 

There's  something  richer  greater  known,  than  treasure  we  call  gold, 
There's  something  which  abides  within,  yet  which  the  heart  can't  hold ; 
There's  something  time  cannot  efface,  where  all  her  havocs  wrought, 
And  that  is  love  which  reigns  within  and  governs  all  our  thought. 

14 


THE  POSTMAN 

Clad  in  grey  with  pack  upon  him  the  postman  goes  each  day, 
Sometimes  in  rain,  sometimes  in  sun — he  comes  but  does  not  stay. 
The  road  he  treads  is  ever  on,  his  thought  is  given  o'er 
To  some  place  next  he's  going  to — it  may  be  to  your  door. 

While  sitting  by  my  window  here  I  see  him  coming  near, 
He's  looking  at  the  letters  all,  as  if  he  held  them  dear. 
Thus  faithful  on  his  journey  goes  this  postman  day  by  day, 
All  eyes  are  watching  for  the  mail ;  the  postman  does  not  stay. 

I  wish  that  Uncle  Sam  could  see  the  postman  as  he  plods, 
He  does  not  stop  to  count  the  time  nor  reckon  up  the  rods, 
But  step  by  step  he  marches  on  by  workshop,  house  and  store 
Until  relieved  of  all  the  pack  his  faithful  shoulders  bore. 

A  welcome  man  this  postman  is  to  schoolmaid,  housemaid,  shop ; 
He  sometimes  has  a  letter  good,  he  sometimes  has  it  not, 
So  always  we  are  watching  him  this  postman  to  appear — 
This  man  in  grey  of  Uncle  Sam's — to  bring  our  hearts  good  cheer. 


MONUMENTS 

We  sometimes  place  great  monuments  with  beauty  rich  and  rare, 
With  polished  sides  and  chiseled  face  until  the  beauty  there 
Will  sure  attract,  by  all  who  see,  that  honor  has  been  done, 
To  what  is  represented  here,  by  this  wrought  out  from  stone. 

Great  honor  then  we  give  to  hands  which  efforts  to  us  bring, 
A  thing  so  lifelike  out  of  stone  a  deadened  hardened  thing; 
But  greater  far  should  be  the  gift  of  honor  to  bestow, 
On  him  who  works  upon  a  heart  and  impulses  make  grow. 

Which  will  to  every  fellow  man  an  influence  be  for  good, 

And  more  and  more,  as  time  goes  on,  than  work  on  stone  or  wood. 

And  while  I  praise  the  handicraft  of  artists  with  design, 

Who  thus  have  wrought  an  image  good  to  last  through  all  of  time. 

I  praise  still  more  the  man  who  brings  good  incentives  to  life, 
That  will  endure  through  all  of  time,  encouraging  in  the  strife. 
Though  good  the  efforts  which  be  wrought  until  they  are  unique, 
Upon  the  statue  as  we  look  and  call  the  work  complete. 

I'd  rather  far  my  hands  employ,  than  work  on  wood  or  stone, 
In  doing  for  my  fellowman  that  good  to  them  be  shown ; 
Then  when  the  day  of  reckoning  shall  count  the  deeds  all  wrought, 
I  will  be  cheered  to  hear  the  word,  my  work  was  not  for  naught. 

15 


LOOK  WHERE  YOU  GO 

When  driving  on  the  great  highway  some  car  you  chance  to  meet 
Which  is  going  somewhat  faster  than  it  should  upon  the  street 
If  you  strike  against  the  fender,  break  the  windshield  in, 
Better  smile  and  meet  the  trouble,  be  gracious  with  a  grin. 

Remember  that  the  other  chap  mistook  your  motive  so 
Do  not  get  in  and  bawl  him  out  and  make  a  foolish  show, 
The  matter  better  settled  be  in  peaceful  quiet  way. 
We  all  drive  auto's  now  you  know  be  careful  what  you  say. 

Remember  that  the  track  we  use  is  not  made  out  of  steel 
We  do  not  run  on  schedule  time,  his  purpose  you  should  yield. 
With  no  intent  upon  his  part  would  he  despoil  your  joy 
Although  it  may  seem  plain  enough,  no  care  he  did  employ. 

I  thing  that  all  who  drive  today  much  caution  better  use 
It  will  save  us  much  of  trouble  prohibit  many  a  bruise. 
Observe  the  rules  use  safety  first,  drive  slowly  all  the  time. 
Then  motoring  on  the  great  highway  will  be  something  sublime. 

The  mad  speed  bugs  let  all  despise,  no  right  or  thought  give  they 
To  others  who  must  going  be  along  the  same  highway, 
Soon  time  will  bring  all  men  to  think,  that  speed  cuts  little  show, 
So  when  you  drive  upon  the  street,  please  go  a  little  slow. 


THE  LITTLE  SHOE 

A  treasure  which  I  value,  I  am  keeping  all  alone 

Although  it  has  no  merit,  as  a  merchandise  to  own, 

But  I  fondly  love  to  hold  what  brings  back  the  happy  past, 

And  helps  in  memory,  once  again  these  pleasant  scenes  to  grasp. 

It  has  some  velvet  buttons  which  are  twisted  all  askew, 

It  has  a  string,  but  broken,  it  looks  rusty  and  not  new, 

'Though  time  to  years  is  numbered,  since  I  packed  this  shoe  away, 

Sometimes  my  heart  just  wonders,  'bout  how  long  a  love  will  stay 

There  were  some  little  fingers  once  clutched  tightly  hold  on  mine 
And  drew  out  warmest  friendship,  which  is  banished  not,  by  time. 
Although  the  shoe  is  broken  and  the  seam  half  given  way, 
I'll  keep  it  as  a  token,  in  sweet  memory  I'll  say. 

I  wonder  if  we  eveT  will  forget  true  love  we  knew : 

If  life  with  all  her  babble  would  make  some  stout  heart,  untrue ; 

It  may  be  so  but  pardon,  if  its  weakness  I  possess. 

Let  me  keep  the  well  worn  shoe  for  my  heart  has  tenderness. 

16 


THE  GOOD  OF  FRIENDS 

Oh,  the  world  is  really  brighter 
And  my  heart  I  know  is  lighter, 
And  my  faith  has  stronger  vision 
When  I  have  my  friends  in  view ; 

Life  without  them  what  a  muddle 
There  would  be  a  constant  bubble, 
I  would  roam  the  world  in  trouble, 
If  there  were  no  friend  I  knew. 

What's  the  use  of  being  sordid 
And  possessed  of  all  that's  morbid 
Withdrawing  like  an  ugly  clam 
In  the  confines  of  your  shell, 

Gain  a  broader  vision  Brother 
And  your  good  deeds  never  smother, 
Be  warm  hearted  with  each  other, 
Living  thus  you're  living  well. 

For  each  day  will  prove  a  pleasure 
And  your  joy  will  have  no  measure, 
And  all  service  you  will  treasure 
For  you're  living  good  to  do, 

With  excelsior  as  your  motto 
Brighter  beam  the  stars  above  you 
And  you  live  in  lighter  azure, 
When  you  keep  the  friends  you  knew. 


IN  MEMORY  OF  MOTHER 

Mother's  gone  yet  memory  lingers 
And  I  see  her  face  the  while, 
As  it  beams  from  Heavens  window 
With  a  glad  eternal  smile, 

Many  things  in  life  once  valued, 
Now  by  time  have  slipped  away, 
But  the  memory  of  Mother, 
In  my  heart  will  always  stay. 


17 


AN  OLD  TIMER 

It'<  many  years  since  first  I  left  the  good  old  state  back  East; 
I  love  to  tell  about  the  time  when  pleasure  never  ceased-— 
The  farm,  the  church,  the  mill,  the  road,  wherever  we  might  go, 
Are  living  fresh  in  memory,  their  places  well  we  know. 

I  heard  'em  tell  of  gold  out  West,  of  prizes  to  be  won, 

'Twas  hid  in  California,  land  of  the  setting  sun, 

I  called  the  household,  packed  the  goods  and  hastened  to  obey 

This  message  coming  from  the  wilds  in  land  so  far  away. 

Then  travelling  was  not  as  now,  with  every  comfort  blessed, 

But  hardships  great  we  faithful  bore  seeking  the  golden  West, 

Who  'ere  could  think  to  live  today  and  not  review  the  past 

When  thinking  of  the  changes  wrought  and  pleasures  which  will  last? 

We  landed  in  a  humble  town  Pomona  known  by  name, 

And  here  we've  lived  and  here  we've  strived  and  gathered  wealth  and  fame: 

Which  comes  to  faithful  toiling  men  who  dig  or  till  the  soil, 

Where  winter  holds  no  ice-bound  chains  our  comforts  to  despoil. 

By  irrigation  now  our  groves  of  oranges  look  fine, 
Where  once  grew  up  the  cactus  tall  we  have  the  tree  and  vine, 
Wild  sage  and  rocks  have  now  made  way,  for  progress  is  the  word, 
We've  started  something  doing  now  and  all  the  world  has  heard. 

Yes,  'tis  with  pride  we  look  today  upon  achievements  done, 
We've  found  the  gold  was  hid  out  West  to  give  to  every  son. 
Three  cheers  for  him  who  raised  the  spade  the  railroad  track  to  lay ! 
Three  cheers  for  men  who  helped  us  make  Pomona  Valley  pay ! 


COURAGE 

You  need  not  look  on  me  distressed  or  think  that  I  am  down 
For  I  am  ever  climbing  on  and  going  round  by  round ; 
The  top  is  still  much  higher  up,  I'm  coming  with  a  will 
Don't  cast  on  me  the  water  cold  or  make  my  efforts  chill. 

I  know  that  deep  within  my  heart,  there  is  a  ceaseless  voice, 
The  speaking  I  can  always  hear  and  give  these  words  my  choice, 
It  is  that  I  should  onward  go  and  upward  to  attain, 
And  with  true  courage  prompting  me  I'll  make  these  things  my  aim. 


18 


CHEER. 

The  day  is  long  without  good  cheer 
The  hours  would  drag  and  seem  a  year; 
But  when  you  can  good  cheer  impart, 
Then  joy  abounds  in  every  heart. 

With  cheer  within,  there's  cheer  without 
You  show  your  mirth  without  a  doubt: 
And  when  there's  fun  put  into  life, 
It  helps  relieve  a  little  strife. 

Do  not  pronounce  the  cheerful  face 
To  be  devoid  entire  of  grace 
But  if  the  good  the  heart  could  know, 
The  face  would  then  be  set  aglow. 

A  little  cheer  just  now  and  then 
Will  help  to  gladden  hearts  of  men 
We  are  not  different  and  so  wise 
That  we  should  always  cheer  despise. 

EVENING  TIME 

Evening  time  and  fires  are  lighted  and  the  house  is  all  aglow, 

And  the  joys  of  earth  made  brighter  by  the  friends  we  love  to  know ; 

How  we  strive  to  gain  some  station,  working  hard  for  greater  fame, 

But  what  makes  the  heart  beat  lighter  than  the  friends  we  love  to  name? 

Right  to  have  some  great  ambition  honored  is  a  purpose  true, 
But  to  have  the  joy  of  living,  don't  despise  some  friends  you  knew ; 
True  if  all  men  be  as  Brothers,  we  should  then  to  each  become, 
What  the  Master  taught  in  living,  doing  good  we  ne'er  should  shun. 

Love  the  truth  and  like  a  girdle  hang  it  o'er  your  beating  heart, 
And  to  those  you  come  in  contact,  you  will  noble  thought  impart ; 
Truest  life  is  more  than  gaining  Wealth  or  Fame  or  things  of  Art, 
Truest  life  is  when  we're  living,  so  in  all,  we  have  a  part. 

Then  when  sinks  life's  day  of  labor  and  the  shadows  gently  fall, 
There  will  be  a  glad  good  morning  greet  the  Angels  when  they  call ; 
And  as  light  which  lit  the  household  when  the  day  of  work  was  done. 
Brighter  rays  will  beam  from  Heaven  with  a  welcome  for  each  one. 

KINDLINESS 

No  words  of  power  by  tongue  or  pen  can  of  themselves  express 
The  comfort  which  from  kindliness  goes  out  from  breast  to  breast 
Beyond  our  heart  with  longing  or  by  sorrow  when  oppressed. 
We  love  to  feel  the  kindliness  which  makes  of  friends  the  best. 

19 


HOME 

If  tossed  upon  the  Ocean  deep 
Where  waters  o'er  me  seem  to  creep, 
When  I  behold  things  near  and  far 
Or  watch  the  beauty  of  a  star, 
O'er  land  or  sea  or  Heaven's  dome 
All  arched  with  beauty  as  we  own ; 
There's  not  in  these  that  meet  the  quest, 
My  soul  desires  when  seeking  rest. 

As  to  He  down  in  home  at  night 
While  stars  above  are  twinkling  bright. 
Then  let  the  waves  toss  high  their  foam 
And  beat  upon  the  rocks  and  stone, 
Or  let  the  stars  refuse  to  shine 
Because  of  clouds  to  hide  behind, 
At  home  my  slumber  is  complete. 
If  pillowed' where  I  love  to  sleep 

To  be  to  love  how  sweet  to  know 
A  place  awaits  for  us  to  go, 
Where  welcome  reaches  out  a  hand 
And  words  say  come  we  understand. 
Oh,  home  you  make  our  life  complete    > 
When  full  of  joy  our  own  we  meet, 
A  place  to  rest  without  a  care 
O,  such  a  home  I  wish  to  share. 

HOME. 

Just  to  go  home  when  the  day's  work  is  over, 
Just  to  lie  down  in  sweet  slumber  at  night, 
Just  to  look  up  to  stars  in  yon  Heaven, 
Just  to  know  this,  that  my  faith  is  all  right. 

When  I'm  so  tired  that  I  long  for  sweet  slumber, 
When  upon  duty  with  long  hours  I  stay, 
Give  me  the  known  rest  which  comes  when  I'm  sleeping, 
In  the  old  homestead  just  over  the  way. 

When  on  the  ocean  my  boat  is  high  tossing, 
When  I  am  sick  of  the  foam  and  the  spray, 
Looking  beyond  the  great  billows  which  rock  me, 
I  see  the  old  home  just  over  the  way. 

Pilot  safe  guide,  while  with  Angel  watch  keeping, 
Give  me  assurance  while  storms  round  me  play, 
I  know  that  when  comes  the  end  of  the  journey, 
I  will  be  at  home  just  over  the  way. 

20 


APPLES  ON  THE  FARM 

A  farm  may  grow  all  kinds  of  fruit;  Pears,  Apples,  Peaches,  Plums; 

The  harvest  that  is  best  to  know,  is  when  the  apples  come, 

I  love  all  the  growing  berries  and  the  cherries  round  and  red, 

But  morning  frosts  which  linger  long,  turn  brown  the  leaves  o'erhead 

And  then  you  get  the  flavor  rich,  from  Russets,  which  still  cling 
Just  waiting  for  some  friend  to  come  and  taste  the  juicy  thing. 
When  down  into  your  basket  deep  you  put  the  Russets  brown, 
You're  placing  in  a  wholesome  stock  to  eat  when  snow  is  down. 

Not  only  are  there  Winesaps  good,  but  other  apples  grown ; 
Jonathans  and  Delicious  too,  and  Greenings  we  have  known ; 
When  you  have  filled  the  cellar  full  with  apples  in  their  turn 
Your  troubles  then  you  can  forget,  and  not  for  summer  yearn. 

There's  many  nights  when  faggots  burn  and  air  is  cold  and  crisp 
That  you'll  enjoy  those  apples  ripe, — they  make  a  splendid  dish ; 
Give  me  the  apples  from  the  farm  and  bake  'em  well  and  brown 
And  then  I  never  can  resist,  but  eat  the  good  things  down. 

Sometimes  I  long  for  childhood  days ;  they  never  can  return  ; 
I  often  love  to  sing  the  lays  that  we  as  children  learned ; 
The  nearest  I  can  ever  gain  to  grasping  childhood's  time 
Is  watching  big  ripe  apples  fall — there's  nothing  half  so  fine. 

The  pumpkins  green  to  yellow  turn  out  there  upon  the  hill ; 
The  corn  is  shocked  and  ready  stands  the  farmers  barn  to  fill ; 
The  pigs  in  clover  sweet  may  feed  and  cattle  pastures  roam, 
But  give  to  me  the  apples  ripe,  to  make  me  feel  at  home. 

The  Goldenrod  beside  the  road  made  glad  the  way  we  trod, 
The  spring  that  always  bubbled  up  was  near  where  Daisies  nod ; 
But  in  the  pasture  or  by  the  brook  no  place  could  e'er  compare 
With  that  old  orchard  by  the  barn,  with  fruit  which  was  so  rare. 

I  always  loved  the  good  old  farm,  if  things  did  not  go  right ; 
Although  the  frost  potatoes  killed  and  grain  was  struck  by  blight, 
But  if  the  blossoms  well  were  set  or  Apples  nicely  filled, 
I  knew  there  would  be  something  good,  come  from  the  farm  we  tilled. 


21 


MA'S  NEW  DRESS 

The  house  is  some  upset  today,  devoid  of  usual  quiet, 
I  come,  but  do  not  want  to  stay — disturbance  would  be  by  it. 
For  Ma  is  making  a  new  dress,  all  other  work  is  dormant 
While  stitching  seems  to  be  in  line  upon  the  latest  garment. 

The  cat  must  keep  from  out  the  way,  her  presence  is  not  wanted, 
The  chairs  and  tables  have  a  look  as  though  the  place  was  haunted. 
What  means  this  stir  about  the  house  which  usually  is  quiet? 
It  means  that  Ma  will  have  a  dress,  she  had  the  cash  to  buy  it. 

She's  studied  books  and  looked  at  styles  until  she  thinks  adorning 
The  one  which  now  is  being  made  so  early  in  the  morning. 
So  duties  'bout  the  house  today  will  have  to  take  an  outing — 
I  think  this  dress  an  airy  thing:  she  dons  it  without  doubting. 

"Oh  mercy  me !"  I  do  implore,  it's  stitch  and  talk  and  clatter, 

For  Ma  is  working  on  a  dress,  what  else  could  be  the  matter? 

I  s'pose  that  we  will  have  some  class  when  this  new  dress  she's  wearing, 

And  so  I  will  restrain  myself  and  not  do  any  swearing. 

A  man  is  not  supposed  to  know  when  dresses  are  becoming 

But  'bout  his  work  should  faithful  go  and  at  that  work  be  humming. 

It  is  not  often,  I  declare,  that  Ma  e'er  has  an  outing, 

But  when  completed  this  new  dress,  she'll  wear  it  with  some  flouting. 

I'm  glad  that  styles  change  now  and  then,  for  beauty  is  unbounded, 
And  if  Wife  hits  a  pretty  thing  my  heart  will  not  be  wounded. 
I  love  to  see  her  all  dressed-up,  and  when  the  primping's  over 
I'll  pay  the  bill  without  a  fuss  if  Wife  thinks  she's  in  clover. 

Now  here's  the  way,  my  dear  young  men,  to  make  a  happy  living — 
Just  buy  the  goods  and  get  the  things  and  do  not  mind  the  giving, 
And  when  you  see  the  cloth  cut  out  with  workmanship  so  splendid 
The  dress  well-made  has  more  than  paid  for  all  the  fuss  now  ended. 


22 


KNOWING  YOU. 

Could  there  be  one  choice  to  mention  as  my  mercies  I  repeat, 
Could  there  be  one  joy  I  cherish  all  the  others  to  defeat; 
Knowing  you  would  have  first  mention  as  I  set  my  blessings  down, 
Knowing  you  has  lifted  trouble  and  removed  from  life  it's  frown. 

You  to  me  have  been  a  brightness  cheering  like  the  rays  of  light 
Which  shine  out  of  inky  darkness,  making  glad  the  deepest  night. 
By  your  council  I've  been  strengthened,  by  your  presence  I've  been  glad, 
Now  to  me,  since  you,  I'm  knowing,  nothing  makes  my  heart  seem  sad. 

Knowing  you  lends  more  attraction  to  the  things  I  share  in  heart, 
Knowing  you  gives  added  beauty  as  to  life  you  form  a  part ; 
Knowing  you  has  lifted  shadows  which  around  my  path  would  stay, 
Knowing  you  has  caused  the  sunbeams  to  break  forth  upon  the  way. 

Could  the  gifts  which  lend  enchantment  to  my  joy  and  to  my  life. 
Come  like  showers  and  give  refreshing,  take  away  my  anxious  strife ; 
All  of  these  with  richest  giving  could  not  fully  satisfy, 
If  for  me  with  all  the  bounty,  they  from  me,  would  you  deny. 

Knowing  you  has  added  sweetness  to  the  bitter  and  the  strife, 
Makes  the  sunlight  seem  to  glitter  on  the  gloomy  side  of  life ; 
Knowing  you  has  made  life  brighter,  than  it  seemed  the  day  before. 
Just  by  knowing  what  a  difference,  in  the  friends  whom  we  adore. 

Knowing  you  has  given  greatness  to  my  best  esteem  of  right. 
Knowing  you  I  am  determined  to  fight  harder  a  good  fight, 
That  to  win,  indeed  a  victor,  I  for  good  will  daily  stand. 
When  supported  by  the  knowledge  you  are  watching  by  my  hand. 

Knowing  you  what  change  confronts  me  in  my  purposes  in  life, 
Some  have  vanished  like  the  rainbow,  others  will  endure  the  strife, 
For  they  have  been  planted  deeply,  so  permanently  remain, 
That  I  hope  to  see  fulfillment  of  the  good  when  once  attained. 

Do  the  Angels  ever  whisper,  can  their  voices  ever  tell 

Is  there  any  way  of  knowing  whether  they  do  with  us  dwell? 

If  you  listen  to  the  music  which  their  words  to  you  could  send, 

This  might  be  the  thought  they'd  mention,  knowing  you  I  know  a  friend. 


23 


OCTOBER 

I  was  born  in  old  October,  glorious  month  of  all  the  year 
When  the  things  once  green  about  me.  then  were  sadly  burnt  and  sear. 
For  the  frosts  had  bit  the  forests  and  the  leaves  turned  golden  brown, 
\Vhcn  the  stillness  with  foreboding,  whispers  of  cold  Winters  down. 

Covering  up  the  weed  grown  pathway,  we  so  joyously  may  tread, 
During  all  the  days  of  Summer  when  the  sun  is  overhead. 
But  unmindful  of  the  cold  frost  which  has  made  the  leaves  all  brown, 
I  remember  old  October  and  my  dear  old  birthright  town. 

Who  knows  all  the  care  besetting,  as  on  life  we  start  our  way? 
Who  knows  but  the  day  before  use  may  bring  forward  some  dismay? 
But  as  I  behold  the  glory  of  the  golden  tinted  West, 
I  am  proud  that  in  October,  I  was  born  her  name  to  bless. 

Then  the  things  of  early  childhood  filled  my  soul  with  happy  zest, 
When  in  clover  fields  I  wandered,  sought  butterflies  in  my  quest. 
Now  the  years  have  grown  in  number  until  childhood  days  are  done, 
But  I  love  the  old  October,  when  my  life  was  first  begun. 

Count  the  blessings,  name  the  trials  facing  dangers  to  befall. 
Life  is  filled  with  fact  and  fancy  and  her  shadows  over  all ; 
In  the  battle,  in  the  conflict,  in  your  duty  never  fall, 
If  you're  born  in  old  October,  you'll  outreach  the  trials  small. 

For  then  sunset  melts  in  glory,  and  the  purple  fades  to  gray. 
When  the  Autumn  day  is  closing  and  the  harvest's  stacked  away. 
Then  I  lay  my  head  in  slumber  dreaming  sweetly  through  the  night, 
And  recall  in  old  October,  I  first  saw  the  morning  light. 

If  a  wish  I  now  could  mention,  which  to  me  would  seem  complete. 
It  would  be  for  happy  childhood  when  I  learned  with  tottering  feet. 
Just  to  start  upon  a  journey,  one  which  now  seems  so  unique. 
And  to  see  the  sun  of  Autumn  rising  o'er  yon  wooded  peak. 

Give  me  back  my  happy  childhood,  is  a  song  of  long  ago, 
But  to  have  again  my  childhood  is  a  thing  I  ne'er  shall  know : 
Save  as  when  I'm  young  in  spirit,  doing  gladly  all  I  may. 
Helping  others  who  may  follow,  born  in  some  October  day. 


24 


THE  OLD  TIME  FIRESIDE 

I  loved  the  old  time  fireside  where  oft  we  met  at  night 
When  shadows  cast  upon  the  wall  would  seem  to  give  a  fright ; 
With  glow  of  coals  upon  the  hearth,  when  all  was  drear  without, 
Would  lend  such  rays  of  warmth  within,  no  comfort  could  I  doubt. 

The  snow  might  pile  upon  the  sill  the  moon  be  hid  by  fog, 

The  air  without  be  cold  and  chill,  pile  on  another  log, 

And  watching  shadows  which  would  steal  out  from  the  rising  flame, 

The  memory  which  the  fireside  brings,  bears  now  an  honored  name. 

In  attic  just  beneath  the  roof,  the  seed  corn  hung  in  rows, 
We'd  picked  the  best  and  hung  with  jest,  'twas  not  in  reach  of  crows; 
That  when  the  planting  time  would  come,  with  corn  we  might  appear, 
Surpassing  all  the  common  seed,  we'd  tended  every  ear. 

Tn  cellar  there  was  cider  good  and  apples  russet  brown, 
When  baked  they  made  a  relish  dish,  that  would  our  hunger  down. 
When  Mother  spun  the  yarn  from  reel,  the  spindle  had  a  hum, 
That  gave  a  music  soft  and  sweet  as  new  made  yarn  was  run. 

I  regret  with  all  our  progress  the  passing  of  those  days, 
So  simple  wrought  the  duty  taught,  to  help  us  in  life's  ways ; 
Hut  while  I  pause  in  reverence  in  thinking  these  things  o'er, 
I'm  glad  that  I,  when  but  a  boy,  played  on  that  oaken  floor. 

When  bed  time  came  and  tucked  up  tight,  on  ticks  of  straw  we  slept, 
It  seemed  to  me  the  Angels  came,  almost  they're  watching  yet ; 
And 'though  so  far  I've  had  to  roam  from  this  old  home  of  youth, 
I  learned  while  there  the  lesson  good,  to  keep  in  life  the  truth. 

To  childhood  young  and  sweet,  goodbye,  memory  still  lingers, 
Flowers  which  grew  I  plainly  see,  we  plucked  with  childish  fingers, 
While  their  fragrance  was  so  rich  with  dew  of  morning  glory, 
Thinking  of  the  olden  time  I  love  to  tell  the  story. 


25 


THE  RAINBOW 

Do  not  say  when  storm  is  over  that  the  rainbow's  gone  away, 
Failing  once  to  see  the  glimmer  that  the  sun  put  on  display, 
But  remember,  ere  you  languish  for  the  colors  rich  and  bright 
The  rainbow  will  appear  again — all  clothed  in  Heaven's  own  light ; 

With  the  glory  of  the  purple  all  the  shades  of  light  and  gray 
Will  again  make  glad  our  vision  when  through  clouds  the  sun  shines  gay- 
Just  as  certain  as  the  morning,  just  as  sure  as  comes  the  day, 
We  shall  see  the  rainbow  glimmer  when  the  storms  have  cleared  away. 

I  am  glad  of  all  the  glory,  colors  radiant  and  bright, 
I  am  glad  that  yonder  heavens  can  be  arched  with  colors  light 
Touched  beyond  the  brush  of  painter,  giving  beauty  to  our  sight, 
What  a  wonder  is  the  rainbow  with  its  heaven'ly  hues  so  bright ! 

Let  the  storm  appear  with  blackness  and  the  rain  make  dark  the  day, 
Well  I  know  when  storm  is  over  we  may  see  the  rainbow  gay ; 
So  I  watch  from  yonder  window  with  my  soul  filled  full  of  hope. 
For  I  love  to  see  the  rainbow  when  the  fiercest  storm  has  broke. 

Come  ye  clouds,  ye  Heaven's  blessings,  bringing  freshness  to  our  sod 
As  ye  pour  your  streams  of  mercy  in  the  raindrops  from  our  God, 
And  reminding  of  His  promise  that  no  flood  shall  ere  hold  sway — 
God  has  given  us  the  rainbow  and  His  promise  can  but  stay. 


26 


THE  SNOW   STORM 

'Tis  quiet  now,  the  damp  mist  hangs  along  the  wooded  river, 

The  most  of  Autumn  leaves  have  gone  from  trees  where  they  did  quiver ; 

I  look  aloft,  the  sun  is  hid,  the  day  seems  most  departed, 

While  down  before  me  seems  to  drift,  a  snow  flake,  one  just  started. 

The  moments  pass  while  one  by  one  these  light  wings  seem  to  gather, 
And  soon  all  Heaven's  dome  is  filled  with  snow  flakes  coming  hither; 
I  cheer  them  as  with  velvet  touch  they  light  upon  my  finger, 
Yet  somehow  though  I  cheered  aloud,  the  snow  flakes  would  not  linger. 

I  did  not  mind  how  thick  they  came,  it  seemed  somewhat  refreshing, 
The  snow  flakes,  simply  clean  and  white,  as  if  with  Heaven's  dressing; 
Yet  thicker,  thicker,  as  they  fall,  I  cannot  hear  them  dropping, 
Yet  looking  up,  I  see  the  way,  how  fast  the  snow  is  blocking. 

An  hour  has  passed,  the  path  once  trod  with  snow  is  covered  over, 
Those  winged  wings,  like  things  of  light,  have  hid  the  field  of  clover ; 
And  where  I  saw  the  brown  dry  grass,  which  looked  so  sear  and  somber, 
Those  places  now  wear  whitened  robes  and  seem  to  be  in  slumber. 

The  steeple  from  old  yonder  church,  looks  like  a  whitened  arrow 
While  'round  the  window  near  the  peak,  there  flies  the  Winter  sparrow, 
All  roof's  are  loaded  down  with  weight,  the  trees  are  bent  to  breaking 
And  still  the  heaven's,    hiding  light,  continue  snow  flakes  making. 

The  traveler  goes  with  head  bowed  down  his  footsteps  have  no  sounding 
And  as  he  homeward  nears  his  way  his  heart  with  joy  is  bounding. 
How  strange  now  seems  old  mother  earth  with  green  all  turned  to  whiteness 
As  hid  beneath  this  Winter's  coat  she  blinds  our  eyes  with  brightness. 

Goodbye  to  Summer  birds  which  sang  in  air  their  sweetest  token, 
Old  Winter  bids  you  cease  your  song  and  has  your  sweet  strain  broken. 
And  in  your  place  with  joyful  sound  we  hear  the  sleigh  bells  ringing, 
So  even  though  the  snow  flakes  fall,  our  hearts  will  keep  on  singing. 


27 


WHEN  THE  COWS  COME  HOME  AT  NIGHT 

Shadows  lengthen  in  the  meadow  and  the  dew  begins  to  fall 
And  we  hear  a  long  drawn  whistle  which  to  us  is  supper  call 
When  the  work  in  field  is  over  and  the  bees  wing  home  from  flight 
Then  the  cows  come  eating  homeward  for  it's  milking  time  at  night. 

Every  name  is  so  familiar  as  we  call  the  cows  to  come, 

There  is  Bess  and  Roan  and  Brindle  and  the  pretty  spotted  one ;    • 

Now  I  seem  to  see  their  faces  with  a  wisdom  beaming  bright. 

They  must  all  possess  some  timepiece  knowing  when  to  come  at  night. 

The  great  world  is  madly  rushing  with  excitement  to  and  fro, 
I  am  wrought  into  a  worry  lest  the  garden  fail  to  grow, 
But  when  I  behold  the  cattle  working  homeward  with  delight, 
Then  it  fills  my  heart  with  gladness  to  drop  down  the  bars  at  night. 

By  the  stream  they  gently  saunter,  then  in  well  known  path  they  come. 
While  they  follow  their  old  leaders,  they  are  moving  one  by  one, 
And  though  hard  may  be  our  labor,  e're  the  shadows  close  the  day. 
Cheery  sounds  the  bells  sweet  tinkle  when  the  cows  come  home  to  stay 

I  love  hours  of  early  morning,  bringing  sweetness  to  the  day, 

When  the  shadows  and  the  darkness,  by  the  light  is  chased  away, 

When  I  feel  a  new  refreshment  by  a  night  of  quiet  rest, 

I'ut  the  twilight  hours  of  evening,  when  the  cows  come  home  are  best. 


28 


THE  PREACHERS  SOLILOQUY 

When  the  moving  time  has  come  and  the  big  Van  swings  around, 
Upon  which  to  put  our  goods  and  to  take  us  from  the  town, 
When  the  neighbors  kindly  call  to  bid  us  a  fond  farewell, 
Someway  there  comes  a  feeling  that  is  mighty  hard  to  tell. 

I  am  glad  to  be  going  when  my  labors  have  been  done. 
When  some  other  field  calls  me,  for  new  victories  to  be  won, 
But  leaving  old  home  faces  and  the  people,  brings  a  lack 
It  almost  makes  me  shudder,  but  this  moving  is  a  fact. 

Life  has  changes  we  must  bear,  lifting  burdens  as  we  know, 
Sowing  seed  in  every  place,  we  go  trusting  good  will  grow, 
Trusting  for  the  harvest  great,  as  the  years  swift  come  and  go, 
But  this  moving  brings  me  pain,  yet  the  Van  has  come  and  so ; 

We'll  pack  the  boxes  bundles,  in  the  smallest  space  we  know, 
Get  our  clothes  all  in  wrinkles  and  our  faces  in  a  glow, 
And  when  the  work  accomplished,  brings  a  triumph  in  her  track, 
With  books  and  boxes  loaded  as  the  strong  man  strained  his  back, 

'Tis  a  pleasure  thus  to  move,  when  all  things  are  in  and  packed. 
The  Van  is  overloaded  while  the  bindings  squeak  and  crack, 
I'll  grant  as  ever  onward  while  the  wheels  turn  swiftly  'round, 
We'll  find  congenial  people  in  the  new  and  coming  town. 


29 


WHAT  IS  IT  TO  ME? 

Is  it  nothing  to  me  if  my  Brother  fall 

Is  it  nothing  to  me  whatever  at  all? 

Is  there  nothing  to  care  if  souls  bleed  and  die 

If  only  I'm  mounting  on  wings  to  the  sky? 

We  are  bound  to  mankind  with  chains  strong  and  great, 
To  break  them  would  from  me  the  joy  of  life  take : 
For  one  of  life's  prizes  beneath  the  blue  skies, 
Is  an  act  which  throws  light  to  my  Brothers  eyes. 

I  would  never  deprive  but  would  to  him  lend, 
A  word  or  a  handshake  would  gladly  extend ; 
If  such  friendly  giving  would  help  him  to  rise, 
And  behold  new  beauty  in  viewing  yon  skies. 

Go  forth  sweetest  spirit  with  usefullness  sing, 
Bedecked  with  some  mission  to  help  earth  to  ring, 
Full  of  thoughts  bringing  cheer  let  your  work  be  done, 
'Twill  help  in  uplifting  sustaining  some  one. 

And  o'er  the  rough  places  where  bleed  wounded  feet, 
Thus  help  some  from  falling  in  pitfalls  so  deep ; 
Then  glad  is  your  promise  from  bright  yonder  sky, 
On  earth  you  helped  others  as  moments  passed  by. 


30 


HAVE  A  FRIENDLY  SORT  OF  WAY 

When  a  hand  is  on  your  shoulder  and  a  voice  gives  words  of  cheer 
Then  you  have  a  solid  comfort  knowing  that  some  friend  is  near ; 
And  you  feel  your  cares  are  lifted  and  your  step  is  made  more  gay, 
Just  because  a  Brother  met  you  in  a  friendly  sort  of  way. 

What  to  me  is  all  the  friendship  which  the  world  might  well  impart, 
If  the  people  never  showed  it  and  had  coldness  down  at  heart? 
Give  to  me  the  life  of  friendship  and  companions  that  will  say, 
"Here's  my  hand,  I'll  help  you  Brother,"  in  a  friendly  sort  of  way. 

Deeds  like  this  you  will  find  helpful,  hearts  before  you  thought  were  stone 
Now  find  in  you  companionship  and  a  friend  they  proudly  own, 
You  will  never  know  a  worry  that  will  pull  you  down  for  keeps, 
If  you  exercise  good  friendship  when  you  meet  upon  the  street. 

God  who  made  us  must  have  known  us,  known  the  human  heart's  dismay; 
To  uplift  the  poor  downtrodden  seemed  His  mission  day  by  day, 
Think  you  not  a  useful  lesson  by  the  Master  thus  was  wrought, 
Teaching  that  we  live  for  others,  doing  as  He  daily  taught; 

There  is  beauty  in  the  morning  when  the  Sunrise  breaks  our  rest, 
There  is  beauty  in  the  evening  with  the  shadow  tinted  West, 
There  is  beauty  on  the  hill  side  from  the  daisies  which  appear, 
There  is  beauty  in  a  handshake  and  the  words  which  bring  good  cheer. 

Why  not  then  just  say  good  morning,  give  a  welcome  when  you  may, 
Thus  let  all  men  know  you're  social,  have  a  friendly  sort  of  way, 
It  will  help  remove  your  trouble,  something  sure  to  win  the  day, 
When  you  boost  to  cheer  a  Brother,  it  will  cheer  yourself  I  say. 


Now  you've  seen  my  whole  collection 
Pause  a  moment  for  reflection. 
And  if  within  these  leaves  be  found 
Some  treasure  for  your  mind  profound 

Digest  the  truth,  despise  not  worth, 
Though  humble  he  who  gave  it  birth  ; 
And  let  the  motive  which  was  good, 
Develop  what  in  you  it  should. 


31 


Gaylord  Bros. 

Makers 

Syracuse,  N.  Y 
PAT.  JAN.  21, 1908 


U.  C.  BERKELEY  LIBRARIES 


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UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


